Tent Hub Assembly

ABSTRACT

A hub assembly for opening and closing a tent between an open configuration and a closed configuration having a base and a plurality of pairs of radial walls peripherally positioned around an outer portion of the base, each pair of radial walls forming a slot. Each radial wall has a first engageable surface and upper ends of each radial wall have a second engageable surface. A plurality of outer walls are positioned around the outer periphery of the base at an outer end of a respective slot and forms a third engageable surface on an upper end thereof. A plurality of poles each have a pair of inner engagement members and a pair of outer engagement members. Each inner engagement member is engaged with a respective first engageable surface and each outer engagement member is engaged with a respective second engageable surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims foreign priority to China Application No. 201420083902.1, filed on Feb. 26, 2014, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates to a hub assembly for a tent, and in particular to a hub assembly which facilitates folding and unfolding of a foldable tent.

For novice campers, foldable tents are a popular alternative to conventional assemble-to-use tents. Foldable tents, which are commonly referred to as “instant tents,” “one-touch tents” or “pop-up tents,” are sold preassembled, making opening and folding the tent easy and less time consuming.

Instant tents include hub assemblies in which poles are pivotally connected to a hub. In a typical hub assembly each pole is connected directly to the hub. In such a configuration, each pivotal connection bears all of the stress from each pole. This stress could become overwhelming and cause failure. Also, in most hub assemblies the pivotal connection is exposed and the tent fabric is susceptible to damage especially when the tent is folded.

Hub assemblies in the prior art are also costly to manufacture due to the extensive labor and materials involved. For example, poles are typically coupled to the hub with metal pins or screws. This requires hardware and time consuming manual labor. In addition, the poles are often supported by the base of the hub for which plastic material is required. Thus, substantial manufacturing costs are incurred.

Another disadvantage of existing hub assemblies of foldable tents is that because the location of the pivoting axis of the poles are fixed at a radially inner portion of the hub it is difficult to store the folded poles and tent fabric above the hub because not enough room is provided above or below the inner portion of the hub.

SUMMARY

The preferred embodiments are intended to overcome at least the disadvantages described above. The preferred embodiments are also intended to provide additional advantages which are described in detail below. The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The hub assembly of the present invention provides a stable support frame for a foldable tent when in the open configuration. In the prior art, the pivoting mechanism is the most stressed portion of the tent and tent failure is often due to breakage of the pivoting mechanism. In the present invention, the multiple engagement points between the pole and hub alleviates stress from the pivoting mechanism and ensures that the tent remains erected even in not so favorable conditions. The hub assembly is further advantageous in that manufacturing cost is reduced. Additional hardware and tools are not required to assemble the poles to the hub because assembly is accomplished in clip-on fashion. Also, given the location of the multiple engagement points on the hub, the hub is manufactured with openings thus requiring less plastic. Moreover, because the position of the pivoting axis of the poles are displaced to a radially outer end of the hub when the tent is folded, more storage room is provided above the hub for the folded poles and tent fabric.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a hub assembly for opening and closing a tent between an open configuration and a closed configuration comprising: a base; a plurality of pairs of radial walls peripherally positioned around an outer portion of the base, each pair of radial walls forming a slot, each radial wall having a first engageable surface, upper ends of each radial wall having a second engageable surface; a plurality of outer walls positioned around the outer periphery of the base, each outer wall positioned at an outer end of a respective slot and forming a third engageable surface on an upper end thereof; and a plurality of poles having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate section therebetween, said first end having a pair of inner engagement members extending therefrom, said intermediate portion having a pair of outer engagement members extending therefrom; wherein each inner engagement member is engaged with a respective first engageable surface and each outer engagement member is engaged with a respective second engageable surface.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a hub assembly for opening and closing a tent between an open configuration and a closed configuration comprising: a hub, the hub having a plurality of pairs of radial walls, each pair of radial walls forming a slot, each radial wall having a first engageable surface, upper ends of each radial wall having a second engageable surface; and a plurality of poles having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate section therebetween, said first end having a pair of inner engagement members extending therefrom, said intermediate portion having a pair of outer engagement members extending therefrom; wherein each inner engagement member is pivotally coupled to a respective radial wall.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for folding a tent between an open configuration and a closed configuration, with the tent in the open configuration having: a hub, the hub having a plurality of pairs of radial walls, each pair of radial walls forming a slot, each radial wall having a first engageable surface, upper ends of each radial wall having a second engageable surface; and a plurality of poles having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate section therebetween, said first end having a pair of inner engagement members extending therefrom, said intermediate portion having a pair of outer engagement members extending therefrom; wherein each inner engagement member is pivotally coupled to a respective radial wall on the first engageable surface and each outer engagement member engages the second engageable surface, comprising: pivoting each pole to move from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the embodiments, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the embodiments are not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a hub assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the hub assembly of FIG. 1 in an open configuration;

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the hub assembly of FIG. 1 in a partially closed configuration; and

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the hub assembly of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration.

To facilitate an understanding of the embodiments, identical reference numerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the features shown in the figures are not drawn to scale, but are shown for illustrative purposes only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The article “a” is intended to include one or more items, and where only one item is intended the term “one” or similar language is used. Additionally, to assist in the description of the present embodiments, words such as top, bottom, upper, lower, front, rear, inner, outer, right and left are used to describe the accompanying figures. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of a hub assembly 1 of the present invention is shown. The hub assembly 1 includes a hub 10 which is configured to receive poles 30 of a foldable tent (not shown). The hub 10 and inner ends of the poles 30 are constructed of a solid injection-molded plastic of high strength but sufficient ductility to withstand brittle fracture in cold temperatures or high stresses.

Referring to FIG. 1, each pole 30 includes a first end 31, a second end 35 and an intermediate section 33 therebetween. The first end 31 includes a pair of inner engagement members 32 extending from opposing sides of the pole 30. The intermediate section 33 includes a pair of outer engagement members 34 extending from opposing sides of the pole 30. The intermediate section 33 also includes top and bottom portions having substantially flat surfaces. The engagement members 32, 34 on respective sides are substantially aligned. In the present embodiment each pole 30 is constructed of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) and includes an injection-molded plastic cap fixed to an end of the FRP pole from which the engagement members 32, 34 extend. The engagement members 32, 34 are substantially cylindrical but could take on other shapes as well. Furthermore, the extension members 32, 34 are integral to the cap but could be separately attached and take on other forms such as metal pins or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the hub 10 includes a base 102 from which radial walls 104 extend upwardly. The radial walls 104 are positioned around the outer periphery of the base 102, and a pair of opposing radially walls 104 form a slot 12 for receiving the poles 30. Each radial wall 104 includes a channel 13 having an inner section 14 and an outer section 18 which are connected to each other. The channel 13 is formed by channel walls including a channel wall or first engageable surface 15 on the inner section 14. An upper portion of the inner section 14 is sized substantially similar to the width or diameter of the inner engagement member 32 and a lower portion of the inner section 14 has a width greater than the width of the inner engagement member 32. An upper portion of the outer section 18 has a width greater than the width of the inner engagement member 32 and a lower portion of the outer section 18 has a width less than the width of the inner engagement member 32. The channel wall 15 at the lower portion of the outer section 18 is sufficiently flexible and is displaced when the inner engagement member 32 is inserted downwardly therethrough during factory assembly. However, due to the configuration of the channel wall 15 at that portion in which the channel wall 15 protrudes downwardly at an angle, the inner engagement member 32 is secured below the outer section 18 after factory assembly. In the present embodiment, the inner engagement member 32 engages the first engageable surface 15 of the channel inner section 14 at all times. That is, the inner engagement member 32 is moved from an upper portion of the channel inner section 14 in an open configuration (FIG. 2) to a lower portion of the channel inner section 14 in a closed configuration (FIG. 4), while the pole 30 is pivoted from a substantially horizontal to substantially vertical position, respectively.

Still referring to FIGS. 2-4, upper ends each radial wall 104 includes a second engageable surface 16 having a lower portion 162, upper portion 164 and intermediate portion 166 therebetween. In the present embodiment, the outer engagement member 34 engages the second engageable surface 16 at all times. That is, the outer engagement member 34 is moved from the lower portion 162 in the open configuration (FIG. 2) to the upper portion 164 in the closed configuration (FIG. 4), while the pole 30 is pivoted from a substantially horizontal to substantially vertical position, respectively. The second engageable surface 16 is configured relative to the first engagement surface 15 so that the inner and outer engagement members 32, 34 maintain contact with the respective engagement surfaces while displaced from the open and closed configurations.

Referring to the figures, the hub 10 also includes a plurality of outer walls 20 positioned around the outer periphery of the base 102. Each outer wall 20 extends upwardly from the base 102 and is positioned at a radially outer end of each respective slot 12. A third engageable surface 22 is formed on an upper end (or upper surface) of the outer wall 20. In the open configuration, a bottom surface of the intermediate section of the pole 33 engages the third engageable surface 22 for further supporting the pole 30 and tent.

Referring again to the figures, the hub 10 further includes a top extension 40 extending substantially horizontally above the slot 12. A fourth engageable surface 42 is formed on a bottom surface of the top extension 40. In the open configuration, a top surface of the pole first end 31 engages the fourth engageable surface 42 for further supporting the pole 30 and tent, as shown in FIG. 2. The top extension 40 extends radially outward a distance such that when the poles 30 are pivoted to the closed configuration, the poles 30 are engaged with outer ends of the top extension 40, as shown in FIG. 4.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, in the present embodiment, each slot 12 includes an opening 50 at a bottom end to accommodate the pole first end 31 in the closed configuration, such that the innermost end of the pole 30 is substantially aligned with a bottom end of the hub 10, as shown in FIG. 4. However, the height and depth of the slot 12 could be modified to adjust the position of the pole first end 31 in the open and closed configurations.

The hub assembly 1 is factory assembled as part of a foldable tent. The poles 30 are connected to the hub 10 by inserting the inner engagement members 32 through respective channel outer sections 18 so that the inner engagement members 32 are secured within respective channel inner sections 14. In operation, when in the open configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, each pole 30 is supported at four different points: (i) the inner engagement member 32 engages the first engageable surface 15; (ii) the outer engagement member 34 engages the second engageable surface 16; (iii) the bottom surface of the pole intermediate section 33 engages the third engageable surface 22; and (iv) the top surface of the pole first end 31 engages the fourth engageable surface 42. The poles 30 are pivoted to a closed configuration (FIG. 4). During this process, the inner engagement member 32 moves from the upper portion to the lower portion of the channel inner section 14 while the outer engagement member 34 moves from the lower portion to the upper portion of the second engageable surface 16.

The hub assembly 1 of the present invention provides a stable support frame for a foldable tent when in the open configuration. In the prior art, the pivoting mechanism is the most stressed portion of the tent and tent failure is often due to breakage of the pivoting mechanism. In the present invention, the multiple engagement points between the pole 30 and hub 10 alleviates stress from the pivoting mechanism and ensures that the tent remains erected even in not so favorable conditions. The hub assembly 1 is further advantageous in that manufacturing cost is reduced. Additional hardware and tools are not required to assemble the poles to the hub because assembly is accomplished in clip-on fashion. Also, given the location of the multiple engagement points on the hub, the hub is manufactured with openings thus requiring less plastic.

The present embodiment may have other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hub assembly for opening and closing a tent between an open configuration and a closed configuration comprising: a base; a plurality of pairs of radial walls peripherally positioned around an outer portion of the base, each pair of radial walls forming a slot, each radial wall having a first engageable surface, upper ends of each radial wall having a second engageable surface; a plurality of outer walls positioned around the outer periphery of the base, each outer wall positioned at an outer end of a respective slot and forming a third engageable surface on an upper end thereof; and a plurality of poles having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate section therebetween, said first end having a pair of inner engagement members extending therefrom, said intermediate portion having a pair of outer engagement members extending therefrom; wherein each inner engagement member is engaged with a respective first engageable surface and each outer engagement member is engaged with a respective second engageable surface.
 2. The hub assembly of claim 1, wherein a bottom portion of the pole intermediate section engages the third engageable surface in the open configuration.
 3. The hub assembly of claim 1, wherein a bottom portion of each slot includes an opening.
 4. The hub assembly of claim 1, wherein the radial wall includes a channel having at least one channel wall, wherein the at least one channel wall is the first engageable surface.
 5. The hub assembly of claim 4, wherein the channel includes an inner section connected to an outer section, the inner section having a width greater than a width of the inner engagement member, a lower end of the outer section having a width less than the width of the inner engagement member.
 6. The hub assembly of claim 1, wherein respective inner engagement members and outer engagement members of each pole is substantially aligned.
 7. A hub assembly for opening and closing a tent between an open configuration and a closed configuration comprising: a hub, the hub having a plurality of pairs of radial walls, each pair of radial walls forming a slot, each radial wall having a first engageable surface, upper ends of each radial wall having a second engageable surface; and a plurality of poles having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate section therebetween, said first end having a pair of inner engagement members extending therefrom, said intermediate portion having a pair of outer engagement members extending therefrom; wherein each inner engagement member is pivotally coupled to a respective radial wall.
 8. The hub assembly of claim 7, further comprising a plurality of outer walls positioned around the outer periphery of the hub, each outer wall positioned at an outer end of a respective slot and forming a third engageable surface on an upper end thereof.
 9. The hub assembly of claim 8, wherein a bottom portion of the pole intermediate section engages the third engageable surface in the open configuration.
 10. The hub assembly of claim 7, wherein each inner engagement member is engaged with a respective first engageable surface and each outer engagement member is engaged with a respective second engageable surface.
 11. The hub assembly of claim 10, wherein the radial wall includes a channel having at least one channel wall, wherein the at least one channel wall is the first engageable surface.
 12. The hub assembly of claim 11, wherein the channel includes an inner section connected to an outer section, the inner section having a width greater than a width of the inner engagement member, a lower end of the outer section having a width less than the width of the inner engagement member.
 13. The hub assembly of claim 7, wherein respective inner engagement members and outer engagement members of each pole is substantially aligned.
 14. The hub assembly of claim 13, wherein a bottom portion of each slot includes an opening.
 15. A method for folding a tent between an open configuration and a closed configuration, with the tent in the open configuration having: a hub, the hub having a plurality of pairs of radial walls, each pair of radial walls forming a slot, each radial wall having a first engageable surface, upper ends of each radial wall having a second engageable surface; and a plurality of poles having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate section therebetween, said first end having a pair of inner engagement members extending therefrom, said intermediate portion having a pair of outer engagement members extending therefrom; wherein each inner engagement member is pivotally coupled to a respective radial wall on the first engageable surface and each outer engagement member engages the second engageable surface, comprising: pivoting each pole to move from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the inner engagement member is moved from an upper portion to a lower portion of the first engageable surface and the outer engagement member is moved from a lower portion to an upper portion of the second engageable surface.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the tent further comprises a plurality of outer walls positioned around the outer periphery of the hub, each outer wall positioned at an outer end of a respective slot and forming a third engageable surface on an upper end thereof, a bottom portion of the pole intermediate section engaging the third engageable surface in the open configuration and disengaging said surface in the closed configuration.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the radial wall includes a channel having at least one channel wall, wherein the at least one channel wall is the first engageable surface.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the channel includes an inner section connected to an outer section, the inner section having a width greater than a width of the inner engagement member, a lower end of the outer section having a width less than the width of the inner engagement member. 